A new contender in the election for the Auckland super city mayoralty wants to spend $600 million to unclog roading bottlenecks in the region.
Architect Hugh Chapman also wants to develop the Onehunga end of the Manukau harbour into a recreation precinct with an international rowing course.
Mr Chapman says current big spending on public transport will not unclog the roads, whereas short inner-city tunnels and revamped intersections near motorways will.
He says traffic congestion is costing the region $2 billion per year.
Mr Chapman heads a company promoting a monorail system, but says he would not push that interest if elected Mayor of Auckland in October.
The new Auckland Council comes into being on 1 November. It combines eight existing councils.